TheGoldSeat.com MN Sports Blog TheGoldSeat.com MN Sports Blog Multiple author blog covering all things sports in Minnesota. We cover the Vikings, Twins, Wild, Wolves and Gophers. The blog with daily updates and insights to sports in the land of 10,000 lakes. Articles
Ortiz solidifies rotation
2007-04-05 15:09:00 The biggest question mark coming into this season was surrounding their ability to patch together a workable starting pitching rotation. All other pieces to the team seamed to be in tact. The rotation however was the one thing that almost every baseball “expert” predicted would be our downfall.When spring training started one thing was a given. Johan Santana would be our opening day pitcher. The rest of the team however was nothing more than a roll of the dice. Names like Silva, Bonser, Ortiz , Ponson and Garza to name a few were thrown around like ragdolls. Everyone had their opinion as to who should be #2-#5. While today’s rotation is certainly different than I expected (and to be honest hoped for), we do know one thing after the first three games this season. Our first three starters are set!Monday night Johan had a so-so night and still was able to pull out the win. On Tuesday, Boof looked unhittable for most of the night. The only mistake he made was to Tejada ... More About: Solid , Rotation , Soli
MLB playoff picks sure to go wrong!
2007-04-03 04:49:00 With the MLB season under way, it seems only fitting that the Twins should be overlooked again by the baseball analysts at ESPN. We have a reigning Cy Young pitcher, a perennial Gold Glover, a batting champ, and oh yeah the MV-frickin-P, and yet we get no love from the big name analysts at ESPN. Only one, Jim Caple, had the Twins winning the division and eventually winning the World Series. I thought with the talent we had we would get a few more looks from the likes of Gammons, Olney, and Stark, but no. The following link will take you to see who they picked:http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/prev iew07/news/story?page=07expertpicksSo, I thought I would take it to the blog and see who you thought would win the division or grab the wild card, and win the World Series. The following are my picks, but please post a comment on who you think will make the playoffs and go on to win the World Series. Go Twinkies!!!AL East: Yankees AL West: A's&nbs... More About: Play , Pick , Wrong , Sure
Random thoughts...
2007-04-01 23:48:00 The 2007 Major League Baseball season officially starts tonight. The Twins will kick off the season by opening at home against the Baltimore Orioles. I've been trying my best not to get wrapped up in speculation prior to the season starting. Now that the season officially starts, I thought it time to fire up the old laptop and start writing about my favorite team.A few things worry me about the 2007 team. First of all, i'm not sold (yet) on the starting pitching rotation. It's been well documented that we have the best pitcher in baseball on our staff (in fact MLB might do well to rename the Cy Young award to pay homage to Johan Santana). I'm honestly worried about three starters on our team..... I'm worried about Ponson, Boof and scared to death by Silva. I'll start with Boof. He's young and while he has some experience he certainly is not as dependable as I would like. I like what he does on the mound but I fear th... More About: Random Thoughts , Random , Thoughts , Thought
Fantasy Baseball League
2007-04-01 16:43:00 The League Has Launched. Sign up at cbssportsline for the Gold Seat Baseball League, password twins. There will be an auto draft on April 6th, so please rank your players. The league will be a head 2 head scoring league. More About: Fantasy , Fantasy Baseball , Ball
Professor's NFL Draft Pick #7 Possibility (Part IV): LaRon Landry
2007-03-28 01:58:00 The Vikings have an interesting situation at the safety position. We have two veteran starters who underachieved last year (Sharp and D-Smith) , an in-the-box-type presence coming off a season ending knee injury (Tank), and a young kid who showed a lot of upside last year (Greg Blizzle). Unfortunately, in 2 or 3 years (the next time Childress expects the team to be in contention) both vets will be gone. For this reason, LaRon is worth a serious look with the 7th overall pick. Who knows, if we draft him he might just beat out Dwight Smith by the end of training camp; which will leave Dwight more time to focus on housing women in stairwells (alledgedly)...Scouts Inc lists Land ry as the 7th best player in the draft:Laron LandryS | (6'2", 202, 4.49) | LSUScouts Grade: 96Strengths: Possesses good height, decent bulk and the frame to get bigger. Shows good fluidity and top-end speed. He consistently gets a quick break on the ball and diagnoses ... More About: Prof , Draft , Part , Bili
Fantasy Baseball Keeper League
2007-03-25 00:34:00 The Gold Seat Fantasy Baseball League is looking for players. We need 10 players to form a league with CBS Sportsline. The keeper league is free the first year. However before the league is formed we need to make sure we have 10 players and that we decide on how to draft and score the league.We can have an automatic draft setup or do a live draft. As for scoring we can do Standard Roto, 5x5 Roto, Roto Plus and Head to Head.Scoring descriptions can be found here - scoring link.Please reply to this post or email me if you are interested. We have to draft within the next week. Thanks.Keith More About: Fantasy Baseball , Keep
Hockey Update
2007-03-24 15:43:00 The Wild have 7 games left in their regular season and things are looking interesting. The Wild with 95 pts are only 1 pt out of first place in the Division behind the Canucks. San Jose is up 1 pt and Dallas is down 1 pt, both are in mix for seeds. If the playoffs started today the Wild would hold the #6 seed and take on the #3 Vancouver Canucks. The #1, #2, and #4 seeds look to be unattainable because those teams have 100+ pts. The ideal situation would be the Wild winning the Division, taking the #3 seed and getting home ice. Considering the #7 seed would play the Ducks and the #5 the Red Wings. The obvious option is to stay in the #6 slot to play the Canucks or move up to the #3 and play the Canucks, Sharks or Stars. I like my chances against those teams on home ice. Should make for an interesting final two weeks to the season.In other hockey news...the mighty #1 seeded Golden Gopher hockey teams makes it Frozen Four tournament ... More About: Hockey , Update
TWolves can't beat the Lakers or Vegas
2007-03-19 03:30:00 The Timberwolves played the Lake rs tonight on ESPN and a few things really caught my attention and made me a little more distrusting of the "entertainment league" called the NBA. I don't know if I can even call it a real sport, it's one level away from the WWE.Maybe its that I've just watched 2 exciting days of REAL basketball on CBS. Maybe watching the game being played in a fair and honest way has poisoned my mind.Two Interesting Things I Noticed: 1. Craig Smith is a beast, the man has a motor that doesn't stop, no matter the circumstances. We'll get to more of that later.2. Did Ricky Davis take a shower during halftime in his uniform. I think the only dry parts on his uniform were a few inches surrounding the logo on the sides of his shorts. That man was disturbingly wet.One Thing That Really Got Me Irritated: 1. How far can we take this star preference / vegas rigging controversy in the NBA? Is it right that Kobe gets to go to t... More About: Wolves , Beat , Vegas
March Madness, Join Our Group
2007-03-12 04:34:00 Readers and writers of thegoldseat you are invited to join in the March Madness . Join the group at cbssportsline and let the bragging rights and trash talking begin. You can join here:http://thegoldseat.mayhem.sportsline .com/eOur Group password is: gophers More About: Ness
Gophers just miss at-large bid for NCAA Tournament
2007-03-12 01:44:00 With an RPI of 190, the University of Minnesota men's basketball team narrowly missed out on making the field of 64 today. Their outstanding record of 9-22 put them as the 9th seed in this weeks Big Ten conference tournament. After their first round loss versus Michigan, Athletic Director Joel Maturi needs to do something to change the direction of a once proud, err, I mean middle of the pack program. The first task on his list should be directed towards finding a new coach. Whether he decides to stick with current coach Molenari or go in a different direction a decision needs to be made. Currently the players have said that their choice to be head coach next season is Molenari. This simply cannot happen in my opinion. The Gophers need to build buzz around the program. The easiest way to do that would be to get Flip Saunders or Bobby Knight to leave their respective teams to roam the sidelines at Williams Arena. This will b... More About: Men , Just , Tour , Name , Miss
Professor's NFL Draft Pick #7 Possibilities (Part III): Jamaal Anderson
2007-03-08 04:42:01 Having just missed out on signing Patrick Kerney from Atlanta, the Vikings still need to address their pass rush. Jamaal Anderson would be a great way to do so.Jamaal is listed currently as #4 on Mel Kiper's big board, making him the best DE available and probably not available to the Vikings at #7. However, Gaines Adams had an amazing combine, which may cause Anderson to slip a tad.According to Scouts Inc.:Jamaal AndersonDE | (6'5", 273, 4.75) | ARKANSASScouts Grade: 96Strengths: Possesses outstanding size. Is tall with great weight distribution, long arms and big hands. Displays good lower-body strength and upper-body power. Is able to jar offensive linemen with initial punch. Is smooth and fluid for his size. Possesses adequate speed and is able to change directions quickly for a big defensive end. He displays good combination moves of power and finesse as a pass rusher. Plays with a high motor and is relentless as a pass rusher. He has enough size and strength... More About: Prof , Draft , Part , Bili
The State of Football, err, Hockey!
2007-03-08 04:42:01 Following the comments of the "Paper Champs", I too have noticed that hockey is running rampant through the "state of hockey", and it could not come at a better time. Vikings fans have been eagerly awaiting free agency because of the amount of money available to spend on players. Now that it is here, fans have had little to be excited about, AGAIN!! With the exception of Steve Hutchinson and a couple others, the Vikes have made some less than spectacular moves during free agency in recent years. With the fan base slowly creeping out the door, one would think the Viking's brass would want to make some sort of blockbuster signing or create some buzz with an exciting draft pick, but no. I have a sinking feeling that fans will be left with a bitter taste in their mouth again.I could continue to rant about my beloved Vikes, or even the T-wolves (that would be too easy), but I would rather bring the positivity and mention that we are the "Stat e of ... More About: Football , Hockey , Ball
Useful NFL Free Agent Tool
2007-03-05 04:40:01 The USA Today redesigned their website over the weekend and I came across this useful page that shows each NFL team and their free agent situation. It makes it easy to see what's going on.http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footbal l/nfl/2007-free-agent-tracker.htm More About: Agent , Free , Tool , Useful , Free Agent
Vikings Salary Cap Situation
2007-03-01 10:37:01 The Minnesota Viking s today released veteran QB Brad Johnson. Reports also say that Fred "call me captain" Smoot and Jermaine "Wiggy" Wiggins are also on their way out. This is important because with these cuts along with other factors the following was written in the Star Tribune:"The Vikings' salary cap space, widely reported at $12.4 million last month, will jump to nearly $30 million by tonight because of incentive calculations and other pre-market maneuvers. In addition to releasing Smoot and possibly Wiggins, the Vikings also are attempting to reach a contract extension with defensive end Darrion Scott -- a restricted free agent -- and would like to restructure the contract of tight end Jim Kleinsasser, whose base salary is $2.9 million for 2007. "We had a brief discussion about this a few weeks ago. when discussing the signing of a backup QB among other needs the Vikings have. While we're in the midst of a snowstorm we c... More About: Sala , King , Kings , Salary
Timberwolves' Draft Pick?
2007-02-28 22:36:01 As we currently stand, with our .456 winning percentage, the T-Wolves are in line for the 12th overall pick. The problem is that we have to give our pick to LA from the Marko/Cassell deal. However, our pick is lottery protected under the 10th pick. In other words, if our pick is #10 or lower we get to keep the pick. The Warriors and the Knicks are nipping at our heals in the win-percentage column. If we get both of those teams to jump past us, while at the same time not letting any team drop below us, we will be in line for the 10th pick, which we will be able to keep, and will also have a chance at Oden or my boy Kevin Durant (hook 'em horns) via the lottery. Stranger things have happened... Remeber when the Magic got Shaq after just missing the playoffs?? Remember when the Spurs got Duncan?? It could happen to us too. Just imagine Garnett and Oden as the new twin towers.. + ... More About: Draft , Draft pick , Pick , Timber
Professor's NFL Draft Pick #7 possibility (Part II): Gaines Adams
2007-02-28 22:36:01 With the #7 Pick in the 2007 NFL Draft , the Vikings are in a spot to take a blue chip player like Gaines Adam s : 02/27/07 - NFL COMBINE: Risers: Of all the defensive linemen who took to the field Monday morning, Adams stole the show. Running both 40s in the low 4.7-second range, Adams displayed his unlimited athleticism for scouts. Not only did Adams stand out during the defensive line drills, but he also looked great when running through a battery of linebacker drills. Adams presently ranks as the No. 1 defender in the draft. - Tony Pauline, SI.com HistoryAdams attended Fork Union Prep in 2001 and recorded 58 tackles, 22 sacks, and two interceptions in 10 games. He was a three year starter at Cambridge Academy where he was a dominant wide receiver and defensive end. His coach during high school was former University of South Carolina quarterback, Steve Taneyhill. In 2000, his team won the state title. During that year, Cambridge shut out four different teams, beating one team ... More About: Prof , Part
So... you're telling me that I have the wrong passport!?!?
2007-02-28 22:36:01 In recent news, Sidney Ponson doesn't understand the difference between types of passports. His home country of Aruba (Dutch) issued him the wrong type of passport. Major League Baseball requires that all players have a passport in order to pitch in Spring Training games where tickets are sold. In case you are wondering, he needs a passport that is specifically issued to athletes.Ponson will have to get this situation straightened out. Unfortunately, this delay will cost him the opportunity to pitch in any of the "A" team games until possibly March 21st against the Reds. While this might not seem to be a big deal and could easily be coined as "bad luck", I wonder whether this is a sign that Ponson doesn't have his life together as much as he claims. The Twins have currently penciled Ponson to be their third started in the rotation. This might cause red flags to be raised regarding Ponson. You have to w... More About: Sport , Port , Hat , Have , Pass
Professor's NFL Draft Pick #7 possibility (Part I): Ted Ginn Jr.
2007-02-28 22:36:01 The latest ESPN mock draft has the Minnesota Vikings selecting Ted Ginn Jr. from Ohio State with the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. If this projection is true, here is what we will be getting:Ginn is an early entry this year. He is 21 years old and is ranked by Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN as the second best receiver, after Calvin Johnson who won't drop past pick #3, and is ranked #8 on Mel's famous "Big Board." Here is what Mel has to say about Ted Ginn Jr.: "Takes a backseat to no one in the speed department, brings a big-play dimension to the wide receiver position and also the return game. Here is the Scouts Inc profile for Ginn:Ted Ginn Jr.WR | (6'0", 180, 4.35) | OHIO STATEScouts Grade: 96Flags: (B: BULK/SIZE) Lacks size/bulk for positionStrengths: Possesses world-class speed. His initial burst is exceptional and very few defensive backs -- if any -- can keep pace with him in a sprint. He's at his best on vertical routes that give hi... More About: Prof , Draft , Part , Bili , Draft pick
The State of Hockey
2007-02-27 04:34:07 As the Timberwolves try to decide whether they want to make the play-offs or keep their draft pick, Minnesota hockey is heating up. I'll be honest with you, I'm more of a Timberwolves fan than I am a Wild fan. However, I think back to the Spring of 2003. The Gopher hockey team defended their National title and the Wild upset the Avalanche and Canucks reaching the Western Finals vs. the Mighty Ducks. It was a magical time! Which is why I am excited for this Spring. The Gophers did get swept this past weekend, but they should still win the WCHA and receive a number one seed in the NCAA tournament. The Wild currently sit as the 7th seed in the West with 19 games to go. They are two points behind Vancouver for the division which would give them the number three seed. They are a couple of points behind the 6th and 5th seeds as well. But does it matter what seed they get? Remember they were the 6th seed in 2003 and met th... More About: Hockey , State , Stat , The State
For the love of Nick "Nails" Punto
2007-02-26 10:32:01 I hope Jeff Cirillo knows that he will not be the opening day starter at third base. Nick Punt o is a no-brainer for that position, and here is why. Nick Punto is the founding member of the Piranhas and will man 3rd base for us, full time, for the forseable future--and for good reason. Cirillo has a history of injuries and large fluctuations in offensive productivity. Cirillo was injured for large parts of the 03-05 seasons before hitting .319 last year. In the last five years, Cirillo has hit .319,.281,.213,.205,.249. It's hard to know which Cirillo we will get. Also, he doesn't drive in runs, walk, or steal bases. He played 112 games last year and only had 23 RBI, 21 walks and 1 SB. The bottom line is that he is 38, injury prone and doesn't manufacture or drive in runs. Punto is only 30, batted just under .300 last year, steals bases, drives in lots of runs per at bat and plays amazing ... More About: Love , Nails , Nail
Leeeewwwww????
2007-02-25 22:31:01 We all know who will be roaming the outfield this April when the Twins head north from Fort Meyers, FL to the lovely confines of the H.H.H. Metrodome. Unless something tragic happens during spring training, we can expect Rondell White, Torii Hunter and Michael Cuddyer to be our main guys. While it seems very likely that we should have some outfield stability this year, I am wondering how Gardy will man the bench. This year, unlike previous years, our question mark coming out of spring training will be the pitching staff. We have grown accustomed to having a very consistent pitching rotation and bullpen. In the past, we had the luxury of filling out the rest of our roster with guys that could fill in when needed. In Joe Christensen’s Star Tribune blog he stated that he believe that both Lew Ford and Jason Tyner will make the opening day roster. That is an interesting thought but one that I find to be somewhat unlikely for several reasons. Whe... More About: Ewww
Lift up the shirt, Woooo!!
2007-02-21 10:27:01 ; Pitcher and Catchers report TODAY!!Johan Santana is a bona-fide stud; no doubt the best starting pitcher in the history of the Minnesota Twins (no offense intended to Jack Morris). The problem for the twins is that after Johan, all that is left are question marks. The 2007 Twins starting pitching staff will likely determine if the Twins make the playoffs or not in the increasingly competitive AL Central. Boof Bonser, Matt Garza, Carlos Silva, Scott Baker, Ramon Ortiz and Sidney Ponson are likely the 6 pitchers realistically competing for 4 starting spots. If I had to guess right now I would say that Bonser will step into the #2 spot behind Santana, followed by Carlos Silva (#3), Sidney Ponson (#4), and Matt Garza (#5). This means that much of our hope lies in the arm of a man with a Ricky Williams legal history, Pat Williams belly and Serena Willams rack--Sidney Ponson... More About: Shirt , Lift
I Feel Your Pain Kevin Garnett
2007-02-18 10:25:02 I have always had a love/hate relationship with Kevin Garnett . One game I'm thinking he's pure MVP, the next I'm thinking trade the bum. Well Kevin, I want to apologize. I want to say sorry for all my trade you away and build again blog posts. I'm now fully on your side...and I feel your pain. Looking back at Garnett's career to this point, you realize his plight has more to do with the turmoil surrounding him and less about his consistent 20pts - 10rbs - 5ast.I took this clip off Yahoo yesterday and it got me thinking:Garnett was asked by All-Star weekend reporters: So when are you going to follow the lead of so many of your peers and ask out of a losing cause with the Timberwolves? "I've never been good at following," Garnett said. "When it's time to make a decision on what's best for me, I'll make a decision on Kevin Garnett." The Timberwolves look like unlikely candidates for the Western Conference play... More About: Pain , Your , I Feel You , Feel
Ted Ginn Jr. with the 7th overall pick
2007-02-18 10:25:02 The latest ESPN mock draft has the Minnesota Vikings selecting Ted Ginn Jr. from Ohio State with the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. If this projection is true, here is what we will be getting:Ginn is an early entry this year. He is 21 years old and is ranked by Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN as the second best receiver, after Calvin Johnson who won't drop past pick #3, and is ranked #8 on Mel's famous "Big Board." Here is what Mel has to say about Ted Ginn Jr.: "Takes a backseat to no one in the speed department, brings a big-play dimension to the wide receiver position and also the return game. Here is the Scouts Inc profile for Ginn:Ted Ginn Jr.WR | (6'0", 180, 4.35) | OHIO STATEScouts Grade: 96Flags: (B: BULK/SIZE) Lacks size/bulk for positionStrengths: Possesses world-class speed. His initial burst is exceptional and very few defensive backs -- if any -- can keep pace with him in a sprint. He's at his best on vertical routes that give hi... More About: With , Over , Vera , Pick , Overall
David Carr to Vikings?
2007-02-14 22:23:02 ProFootBallTalk.com is reporting that the Houston Texans are shopping Quarterback David Carr . They along with other media sources have suggested that the Vikings are very interested. Carr’s career in Houston has been interesting. Since 2002 he has had an overall quarterback rating of 75.0. While his numbers don’t seem overly impressive I believe that he has more talent than he’s been able to show. Since taking over the QB position he has not (until recently) been given the opportunity to give the ball to a playmaker. Couple that with the offensive line’s inability to pass block, I am not one bit surprised that his numbers look the way that they do. On the Vikings he would immediately inherit a above average offensive line, a workhorse runningback. Certainly none of the Vikings receivers can compare to Andre Johnson, the presence of a good line should improve his numbers immensely. I think that Carr could benefit the Vikings in several ways. The first is that ... More About: David Carr , King , Kings
Foye arrested in Uptown
2007-02-13 10:22:01 Randy Foye busted for disorderly conduct at a gas station in Uptown. The incedent happened at the Holiday Gas station at 25th and Hennepin (coincedently right by where I used to live). At least he didn't run into a parked car while doing "extracurricular" activities.....Check out the link More About: Arrested , Arrest , Town , Rest , Este
Joe Mauer... Minneapolis/St. Paul's most eligible bachelor
2007-02-13 10:22:01 As if the women of the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area didn't need more reasons to fall in love with Joe Mauer, they were given 33 million more. In a move that will keep St. Paul's son in town for at least another 4 years, the Twins this weekend locked up Joe Mauer with a 4 year/33 Million dollar deal.Joe will get 3.75 Million this year, 6.25 Million in 2008, 10.5 Million in 2009 and 12.5 Million in 2010. During the offseason the Twins had several goals. Their biggest goal was to sign Morneau, Mauer and Cuddyer to long term contracts. Morneau earlier this month signed a 1-year deal worth 4.25 Million dollars. This move was done primarily to avoid arbitration. The Twins will next attempt to sign Michael Cuddyer to a contract.Joe's signing should signal several things to Twins fans everywhere.The Twins believe that Mauer is an integral part of their future. Everyone knows that he's a hometown hero but the Twins believe t... More About: Ligi , Polis , Bachelor , Most
Stewart Signs with A's, Blames Twins Doctors
2007-02-13 10:22:01 Shannon Stewart signed a one-year deal with the Oakland A's Thursday completing the Bobby Kielty carousel. The Twins traded Kielty to the Blue Jays in 2003 for Stewart and now both find themselves trying to resurrect their careers. But how can you blame them, Oakland's moneyball strategy of offering perennial All-Stars one-year deals is working, cue Frank Thomas.The deal is reported to be in the $1 million range with the potential to earn as much as $2.5 million based on plate appearances. Finding playing time might be difficult in an already crowded A's outfield.The Santa Rosa Press reported that Stewart felt the Twins mishandled and misdiagnosed his injury last year. Stewart ended up seeking outside help and received a cortisone shot that he says did the trick.As a Twins fan I'm a little torn. Assuming the foot is ok and he gets playing time - at $1 million dollars Stewart could be the bargain of the year and this years Frank Thomas. M... More About: Doctors , With , War , Signs
A "Cardinal" Sin
2007-02-13 10:22:01 Arizona Card inal safety Adrian Wilson's pass interference penalty set up the game winning field goal for the AFC at the pro bowl in Honolulu. When asked if he thought he would feel awestruck amongst the stars he replied, "No, I feel like I should be (here) all along," he said. "I consider myself one, too."Well, maybe he got too big for his own shorts, but I can't help but feel some justice about it because of the bogus 95yd fumble recovery for a td he received for returning what should have been a td by Chester Taylor earlier in the season. Adrian will just have to learn about life's "Vanilla Skies", and understand that life's sweets are not as sweet without the sour. More About: Cardinal , Dina
A homecoming for Fitzgerald?
More articles from this author:2007-02-13 10:22:01 There is rumor coming out of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (see link for article) that the Vikings may try to trade the seventh round pick and some players for Cardinal wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The article stated the Vikings would try such a move mainly to boost ticket sales. I would love the move for the Vikes. We would get a sure thing at a position we need filled. I can't imagine the Cardinal front office being that stupid, but then again they did hire Denny Green!http://www.twincities.com/mld/twinc ities/news/special_packages/columnists/16 648363.htm More About: Home , Ming , Gera , Meco 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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